Inmate writes to judge with shocking confession

Louis Jackson was already serving time for aggravated assault, but his confession might close a murder case that's been cold for years

October 18, 2013 2:16:53 PM PDT

Crystal Kobza

HOUSTON --

It's a shocking murder confession. A man who wrote a letter to a judge admitting he killed someone when he was a teenager was in court this morning at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

Louis Jerome Jackson was only 16 years old when he now admits to shooting and killing 20-year-old Jevonnie Jenkins back in 1997. Until this past April, this has been considered a cold case in Harris County.

Jackson, who is now 32 years old, has been serving a 39-and-a-half year prison sentence on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge.

According to prosecutors, Jackson sent a letter to a judge earlier this year admitting his involvement in the 1997 murder of Jenkins. Prosecutors tell us Jackson admitted to shooting and killing Jenkins while trying to rob him.

"The defendant robbed the complaint of $10, and being unsatisfied with that amount, actually attempted to push his way into the residence to take more property inside the residence. The defendant shot the complainant once in the chest," said prosecutor Martina Longoria.

On Friday morning in court, Jackson appeared before a judge now facing murder charges. According to prosecutors, this type of admission of guilt is rare.

"This case is highly unusual for a couple of reasons," Longoria said. "It's a cold case that has now been solved. There is a victim's family who will now get some closure. This case is unusual because the defendant who is currently 32 years old committed the offense when he was 16 years old. Therefore the proceedings had to start in juvenile court."

Jackson's defense attorney Casey Keirnan tells us religion seems to be the reason for admitting to killing Jenkins.

"I have read the letter, it's a very moving letter, as a matter of fact. And I have met my client, he was a very peaceful and gentle person in talking to him," Keirnan said.

According to prosecutors, because the law has changed since 1997 when it comes to a murder charge and serving life sentences, Jackson will be eligible for parole after 40 years. That was the way the law read back in 1997 when this incident happened.

A second court date was not set Friday morning, so we will be waiting on that date to figure out what is next for Jackson and how many more years in prison he is now facing.